Krishna Van Buren, RVT
Hospital Director
Our Hospital Director, Krishna VanBuren, RVT, comes to us with a wealth of experience in veterinary medicine. Over her career, she has worn many hats. Krishna got her start over 25 years ago right here in Rancho Palos Verdes, working for Dr. Lauhoff, at the Animal Hospital of Golden Cove which was located in the Golden Hill Shopping Center. In fact, it is the very space where PVAH got its start after Dr. Lauhoff retired. While working with Dr. Lauhoff, Krishna was earning her degree in Economics at UC Irvine. Krishna then returned to school to meet the requirements to sit for the National and State of California Veterinary Technician certification boards.
Krishna began her long career with Veterinary Centers of America when Dr. Lauhoff sold his hospital to them in 1996. In 2000 Krishna became a Regional Operations Director for VCA overseeing 13 hospitals and a boarding kennel in the Southern California region. As a Regional Operations Director, Krishna had responsibility for the financial health of the hospitals as well as the day to day operations.
Born and raised on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Krishna lives here in Rancho Palos Verdes with her husband and children. Her family also includes dogs, cats, chickens, ducks and horses.
Derrick Haines
Technical Supervisor
Derrick is our Technical Supervisor and has been with us at Point Vicente since 2004. He was first introduced to veterinary medicine when he graduated from high school and his brother got him a job as a kennel helper at another hospital. He soon found that he loved working with animals and really enjoyed the interaction with clients as well and decided to make a career in veterinary medicine. As an integral part of the team here at PVAH, Derrick leads his team of technicians and assistants in carrying out our philosophy of focusing on our patient's well-being, delivering quality medicine and excellent patient care. Derrick, his wife Kathy and his boys Noah and Ethan share their home with two cats named Kameko and Moses.
Kristin Holmes
Veterinary Technician
Kristin joined the PVAH team in 2015 and has been working in the field for a number of years. Her first job was as a kennel technician at the Maryland SPCA. Because of her dedication and drive to learn, she was soon promoted to work in their spay and neuter clinic as a veterinary assistant before joining our team at Point Vicente Animal Hospital. Kristin really enjoys working with our diverse patients and the unpredictability of each day. She also very much appreciates working with the rest of the PVAH team, "My co-workers' arent too shabby!" she says. Kristin has rescued 2 dogs, Spike and Rosie and an FIV+ kitty named Magic Johnson and recently added a kitten "Prune".
Shanna Hobbs
Shanna Hobbs joined the team at Point Vicente Animal Hospital in 2015, after managing VCA Clarmar Animal Hospital, in the Torrance area for many years. We feel very fortunate to have Shanna on our team. She has worked in veterinary medicine since 1998, and brings with her a wealth of experience. She has worked a number of positions in the hospital over her career and fully understands the needs of both clients and patients and loves helping them. Her feline family consists of two older kitties, and the third is her younger “brat of a cat”, and her canine family includes her big Chocolate Lab and little Maltese.
Jennifer Lewis
Shahzeen Ali
Receptionist
Shahzeen has a degree in zoo biology and has been working in the veterinary field since 2008. She joined our team at Point Vicente Animal Hospital in 2014. Her favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is helping animals get better. She especially enjoys seeing all of the different types of pets that are patients at PVAH.
Rachel Balleras, RVT
Veterinary Technician
Resident "Dachshund Lover" with a lifelong passion for veterinary medicine, Rachel started her career as a veterinary assistant working at The Village Pet Clinic in 2004. She attended Colorado State University where she studied Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Asian Studies. In 2013 she completed the Animal Health Technician Program at Mesa College in San Diego and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2014. A member of the PVAH team since 2015, Rachel especially enjoys working with Dr. Chen and learning about acupuncture and integrative medicine. Rachel was born and raised in Los Angeles and shares her home with "Dodger Dog", a long-haired Miniature Dachshund.
Emily Hudec
Animal Care Technician
Emily joined PVAH in 2018. She comes to us from Schererville, Indiana. Emily has a Bachelors degree in Marine Science and has attended culinary school. Recently Emily adopted a puppy named "Patch". He is quickly becoming a beloved member of her family!
Stephanie Latterman
Receptionist
Stephanie began with PVAH in 2004 as an intern. She left to attend UCLA and earn a Degree in Biology. Stephanie also studied animal behavior and conservation in Uganda. Returning to PVAH in March 2018 Stephanie joined our amazing reception team. Stephanie has a puggle named "Bruin" and many many cats including 2 Maine Coon mixes named Lily and Ares.
Demetrio Gomez
Demetrio joined PVAH in 2018. He comes to us with may years of experience in Veterinary Medicine. He enjoys working will all types of animals and is excited to help with the exotic animals we see at PVAH.